Planet Asia - Golden State

Planet Asia may not be the biggest-name rapper to come out of California but, as an architect of his region’s underground scene with a discography stretching back to the mid-‘90s, he’s done as much for the Golden State as anyone in the game. On the latest single off his 10th studio album (his first retail release in four years), the indie rhymesayer once again shows love for his state of residence, painting a loving lyrical picture of the West Coast lifestyle. Dirtydiggs mans the boards, flipping a funky, flute-laced sample as the Gold Chain Music emcee delivers verses packed with relentless flows and vivid lyrical imagery. When he’s not paying tribute to his urban environment, Asia finds time to share his spiritual beliefs (“God can never be a mystery, you feel me / ‘cause in the heavens and the Earth he always was, forever will be.”) and knock back a few “...$30,000 bottles of Remy.” After over a decade and a half in the game, Planet Asia can still murder a mic with the best of ‘em. Those who like what they’re hearing can found plenty more tightly-wound lyricism and scorching underground boardwork on Black Belt Theater, set for release Feb. 28, via Gold Chain/Wandering Worx/Greenstreets.